Specter "defection" - wake up call for the NOPe?

[radfringe]

Reactions among NOPers at work to Specter's switch were generally, "he might as well be a Democrat as he votes that way anyways..."

I'm sure the limbaugh party is or will be out in force today with Specter bashing and other wailing, and Specter will have to face the wrath of the elephants within the halls of congress.

As was recently reported - only 31% of voters consider themselves Republicans, toss in the 11/08 election results and Specter party switch, you would think this is a WAKE-UP call for the Republican party to do some serious soul-searching and take a hard look at their direction. (yeah, I know repubs have no souls.... ;) ) How many more alarm bells do they need?

While Specter joining the Democratic majority is a good thing for the Democratic Party - there is also danger in being the majority - i.e. getting drunk on power. We only have to look to the past years of Republican Rule to see what happens when one party is in absolute control.

That being said, it's not up to the Democratic party to rebuild the Republican party in order to ensure a balance of power. Rebuilding the Republican party is up to the Republicans. However, it is up to the Dems to use their power responsibily or they too will find themselves in the same position as today's republican party.

I know there are republicans and conservatives out there who consider themselves moderates, and still believe in small government and fiscal responsibility - but beyond the slogans and soundbites - this is NOT the the Republican Party of today. The neo-cons and radical-reich are still driving the Republican party and they refuse to let someone else take over the wheel.

Specter's switch is also going to make is more difficult for other repub moderates in congress to "vote with the dems". You know as well as I, Specter is going to be raked over the coals in the same manner as Jeffords was when he switched from republican to independent. Specter will be made into an example of what happens when you "piss off an elephant".

Conversely, if the repubs really go overboard with the tar and feathering of Specter, it may push the more moderate repubs to go "independent".

Meanwhile, break out the :popcorn: - the show is about to begin

[zbdent]

1. "he might as well be a Democrat as he votes that way anyways..." BULLSHI*!

Spectre built his reputation on SAYING the things that would appear "centrist" or "leftish" ... and then votes with the party ...

How often have we heard Dems being portrayed as unpatriotic and traitors, because "voting was along party lines"?

Remember, NO Republican voted for Obama's stimulus package ... and the words "NO REPUBLICANS" would say that, since Spectre was still a Republican, that means that Spectre didn't vote for it ...

[KharmaTrain]

2. Bottom Line...Arlen Always Stays Bought...

Yep...he always postured as an "independent"...the Senator from Scotland, but, as you state, when the whip was cracked, Arlen fell in line with all the other rushpublicans. I can't recall several times he expressed "concern" about boooooshie's abuses, but never once voted against him. That's cause Arlen got a boatload of money and publicity to do so. That boat of cash long since sailed on him (especially after his vote for the stimulus) and he all but said he was tired of being on a losing team. He went free agent.

Now let's see how Arlen dances. Rendell, Biden and President Obama surely showed Arlen the money...but he's gonna have to sing for his supper. To keep his beloved Senate seat he's gonna need $10 mil or more and to get that kinda coin from Democrats he's gonna have to show us he's one of us. The clock is now running.

Arlen voted for the stimulus but was busy obstructing the selection of the very judges and administration appointments he railed against during his press conference.

Keep in mind, Specter could have gone Independent like Joementum and had money funneled to him through the back door (just like what Rove did with Liebermann) but he chose to go the whole way...make the switch. The clock is now running...if Arlen is gonna want our support and money, he's gonna have to dance to our tunes. If he sees us as his only way to keep his seat, he may just surprise.